Introduction
Lidl has recently recalled its chocolate advent calendars due to a potential risk of salmonella contamination. This recall affects all Lidl stores in the United Kingdom and Ireland. The affected product is the Deluxe Milk Chocolate Advent Calendar with a best before date of December 24, 2020. Customers who have purchased this product are advised to return it to their nearest Lidl store for a full refund. This recall is a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of customers and to prevent any potential health risks.
Lidl Recalls Chocolate Advent Calendars Due to Salmonella Risk
Lidl has issued a recall for its chocolate advent calendars due to a potential salmonella risk. The affected product is the Lidl Deluxe Milk Chocolate Advent Calendar with a best before date of December 24, 2020.
The recall was issued after the Food Standards Agency (FSA) found that the product may contain salmonella. The FSA has advised that anyone who has purchased the product should not consume it and should return it to the store for a full refund.
Salmonella is a type of bacteria that can cause food poisoning. Symptoms of salmonella poisoning include abdominal cramps, diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. In severe cases, it can lead to hospitalization.
Lidl has apologized for the inconvenience caused by the recall and has urged customers to check their calendars for the affected product. Customers can contact Lidl customer services on 0800 977 7766 for more information.
This is not the first time that Lidl has had to recall a product due to a potential salmonella risk. In 2018, the company recalled its Deluxe Milk Chocolate Santa figures due to a similar risk.
The Christmas countdown just became slightly less joyful now that Lidl has pulled a popular Advent calendar from its shelves.
On Dec. 6, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that the German-based discount chain has issued a voluntary recall of its 8.4-ounce, Favorina-branded premium chocolate Advent calendar due to possible salmonella contamination. Lidl discovered the issue during routine testing, which the company said it “performs on an ongoing basis to help ensure safe and quality products for our customers.”
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The advent calendars, sold in Lidl stores between Oct. 12 and Dec. 5 of this year, displayed a “Best If Used By” year of 2023 and a barcode number of 4056489516965.
Although the company has received no reports or complaints of illness related to the consumption of the product, it urged consumers not to eat the chocolate and return it to its place of purchase for a full refund, no receipt necessary.
“Lidl US regrets any inconvenience related to this voluntary recall, which is issued in keeping with our focus on customer health and safety,” the company said in a statement.
While healthy individuals infected with salmonella may experience symptoms such fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain, the bacteria can pose a serious health risk to young children, elderly people, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems.
Customers with additional questions about the recall can call the Lidl US Customer Care Hotline at 1-844-747-5435 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET, Monday through Saturday.
Unfortunately, the chocolate Advent calendars weren’t the only items removed from stores this week. On Dec. 5, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced that Kraft Heinz recalled nearly 2,400 pounds of Oscar Meyer’s ready-to-eat Ham and Cheese Loaf due to possible cross-contamination with under-processed products. There have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions associated with the consumption of the meat.
Brianna Ruback